Powder coating is a dry finishing process that has become extremely popular since its introduction in the 1960s. Representing more than 15% of the total industrial finishing market, the powder is used in a wide range of products. More and more companies are specifying powder coatings for high-quality, durable finishes, allowing maximum productivity, improved efficiency, and simplified environmental compliance.
Used as a functional (protective) and decorative finish, powder coatings are available in an almost unlimited range of colours and textures. They have outstanding performance characteristics because of technological advances. Before understanding the common uses of powder coating, let’s understand the details about the same.
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● How Powder Coating Works:
Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curative pigments, levelling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. These ingredients are mixed, cooled, and melted into a uniform powder similar to baking flour. An electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is commonly used to apply a powder coating on a metallic layer.
Spray guns are popularly used for powder coating. This gun applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles then attracted to the grounded part. After applying the powder coating, the details enter a curing oven where, upon adding heat, the layer chemically reacts to form a long molecular chain, resulting in a high cross-link density. These molecular chains are very resistant to breakage.
This is the most common method of applying powder coating. Powder coating can also be used on non-metallic substrates such as plastic and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Sometimes a powder coating is applied when applying a liquid bed. The pre-heated parts are dipped in a month of fluidizing powder, and the layer melts and flows into the details. Post healing may be required depending on the mass and temperature of the part and the type of powder used.
No matter what application process is used, the powder coating is easy to use, eco-friendly, affordable, and challenging!
● Powder Coating Durability:
Powder coating is a high-quality finish found in the thousands of products you come in contact with every day. It provides a more durable finish than liquid paint, although it still provides an attractive finish. The powder coating protects the roughest, most challenging equipment and your dependent household items.
Powder-coated products are more resistant to coating degradation due to impact, humidity, chemicals, ultraviolet rays, and other extreme weather. Instead, it reduces the risk of scratches, chipping, corrosion, fading, and other problems.
It’s tough. It’s fantastic to see. And it lasts a long, long time. In addition to being durable, powder coating is an attractive choice due to its environmental benefits.
● Common Uses of Powder Coating:
Polyester urethane powder systems offer excellent chemical resistance. The two most widely used powder coatings are:
- TGIC polyester
- Urethane polyester
Both types of powder coating provide excellent outdoor durability.
One of the most common uses of powder coating is in the automotive industry to coat various components and a base coat. These include wheel trim and hubcaps, under-hood details such as radiators and shock absorbers, car frames, and many items on public transport, including handles and bars.
Powder coating is a finishing process consisting of dry powder used as a surface coating. The powder material comprises a thermoplastic polymer, making it harder and more durable than traditional paints. Unlike paint, which takes some time to dry after application, the powder coating is electrostatic and can be applied smoothly in the presence of electric current and then cured with heat.
Another common use of powder coating is in the architecture and construction industry, where the client is looking for a durable and long-lasting surface coating.
Some of the other industries where powder coating is used are appliances and outdoor products. The primary reason for its usage is the wide range of colours and durable coating.
Conclusion-
The common uses of powder coating are spread across different industries, making it one of the most popular choices for giving fine finishing touches to the surface. The right application of powder coating also increases the life of the surface, thus making it a suitable choice for many products.
